20 Of The World's Best Art Hotels

At the world’s best art hotels, the enrichment of an art gallery meets the comfort of a luxury stay.

Treat yourself to an artistic immersion that spares none of the senses in these hotels offering bespoke experiences – from artist workshops in the Japanese mountains to multi-million pound collections in Marrakech. These are 20 of the world’s best hotels for art lovers.

At the heart of Morocco’s spirited Red City lies IZZA Marrakech: a brand new art hotel with a collection worth £5 million. Taking eight years to complete, IZZA is an ode to interior designer Bill Willis who designed Yves Saint Laurent’s glorious electric blue and gold Marrakech home, Le Jardin Majorelle. Finding more serene colour palettes inside, IZZA’s sun-coated walls are decked with 300 framed art pieces, making it one of the largest digital and generative art collections in the world. Included are pieces by Ethiopian NFT artist Yatreda and 24 prints from Sebastian Selgado’s Amazonia NFT release at Sotheby’s. Culturally enriching as well as a calming haven, the bedrooms are homage to the city’s impressive guests of the 60s, 70 and 80s, including Marianne Faithful, Grace Jones and Jimi Hendrix. Each of the 14 rooms are designed with a slightly varying taste to suit the icon they are named after. Gemma Louise Deeks.

There are over 1,600 works in total – mostly originals – hung throughout NoMad London, in haphazard clusters or left leaning casually against the walls. Rooms average 15 pieces, with up to 48 in the suites. The hotel has been designed to feel like a collector’s home while paying homage to the building’s heritage as well as the hotel group’s New York roots. A tough ask, but it works. Look out for whimsical illustrations of Oscar Wilde’s Salome, painted by the Royal Opera House’s set designers during the pandemic and a large-scale mural by the French artist Claire Basler transforming the windowless Magistrate’s Court, alongside gritty street photography. Rooms have a cosy, laid-back atmosphere and are rooms to be lived in, rather than simply admired or passed through. Millie Walton.

Athens is known for its history, but offers a lot in terms of modern creativity too. Over the last few years, the city has undergone a cultural revival and boasts hundreds of new restaurants and cafés, alongside many recently-opened boutique hotels. But New Hotel, in the centre of the city, understood the city’s creative side long before many others latched on. A member of Design Hotels (and from the same owners of the more recent Noūs Santorini), it opened in 2011 and proudly boasts interiors by the Campana brothers. These include in-room installations inspired by Greek culture, custom-made furniture, and a smattering of pieces from local and well-known artists. Look out for the life-sized telephone booth by Laurie Anderson (1979); Art Magazine ads from the 80s by Jeff Koons; a piece by Barbara Kruger; and Olga Migliaressi-Phoca’s play on the Nintendo logo in the rooftop restaurant, Art Lounge (pictured), which is also an ideal brunch spot. The hotel also offers the most unique bed in Athens, found in the Penthouse Suite where you can opt to sleep indoors, or under the stars on its rooftop terrace. Katie Silcox.

With a lobby designed like an artist’s loft, but with the glamour and intrigue of an elite collector’s gallery, The Nines immerses you in an impressive art scene immediately upon arrival. Curated by Paige Powell, an associate of the late Andy Warhol, the hotel boasts over 400 original pieces of artwork from Portland’s art scene including video installations, statues, sculptures and paintings. The art and light-soaked hotel atrium sets the tone for the rest of your stay, where each room is full with a unique array of artworks commissioned and created in Portland. The Nines (once the home of department store Meier & Frank) also lies at the centre of Portland’s action with Pioneer Courthouse Square, Washington Park and Portland Art Museum a mere few metro stops away, continuing the culturally-rich stay. Ella Mansell.

The emblematic Mount Fuji frames the landscape that Kai Sengokuhara finds itself in, as the unique and enriching Hakone hotel offers a peaceful and art-filled stay. Although perhaps best known for its world-class hot spring spas, the hotel also celebrates an impressive art scene with its onsite gallery, atelier, workshops and art-filled rooms. This hotel both immerses you in art as well as bringing out your own artistic side; a highlight is the ‘Cultural Discovery’ programme offering a daily line-up of activities including colouring your own traditional Japanese handkerchief. To continue, each of the 16 bedrooms has its own private hot spring bath, outdoor terrace and art-clad walls. Twelve international artists travelled to Japan and stayed at the hotel as ‘Artists in Residence’ where they created bespoke pieces, each capturing the spirit and charm of the space. Consequently, Kai Sengokuhara is one of the area’s best hotels to offer a contemporary take on a traditional Japanese Ryokan, complete with its own hot spring spa and art collection. Jules Pearson.

Check in at The Dolder Grand, not only for the rooms and facilities, but also for the art. Here you’ll find some extraordinary artworks from Andy Warhol, Dalí and Botero, including Botero’s sculpture, Woman With Fruit next to the outdoor jacuzzi; a huge Joan Miró statue, Grand Personnage: Projet Pour Un Monument, just outside the bar, and an enormous work by Andy Warhol: Big Retrospective Painting, above the reception. The hotel grounds are also studded with sculptures; look out for Takashi Murakami’s whimsical Troll’s Umbrella and a Henry Moore three-piece, Reclining Figure. This is also one of the world’s most historic hotels, redesigned by Sir Norman Foster, making it a gallery-like place to stay as well as an architectural marvel. Hannah Lynn Tan.

Hoteliers Liz and Phil Biden are the brains behind The Silo – Cape Town’s most expensive hotel. Resting above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art in Africa, the hotel is a fun, fanciful, and creative destination by the V&A Waterfront and docklands. For art enthusiasts, it’s a must stay: serving as a showcase for South Africa’s most well-known artists including John Meyer, Beezy Bailey, Shany Van Den Berg, Sasha Hartslief, Denby Meyer, and Ricky Dyaloyi. The Vault – The Silo Hotel’s private art gallery – on level P3 (you’ll enter through the car park), further sweetens the deal. Showcasing both up-and-coming and established artists, a price list is available if something takes your eye. Gilly Hopper and Hannah Lynn Tan.

Sommerro celebrates Norwegian art and design. The hotel boasts an extensive collection comprising a mix of period pieces and original artwork by Norwegian artist Per Krohg. You’ll also find specially-commissioned works curated by distinguished museum director, designer, and art critic, Sune Nordgren. One standout piece is a giant wall fresco in the hotel’s all-day dining room, and another stunning mosaic wall can be found in what was originally the building’s public baths. Over recent years, Oslo itself has experienced a surge in new museums, art galleries and theatres, including the Munch Museum – home to the world’s largest collection of paintings by Edvard Munch, and the National Museum – showcasing local art and design. Hannah Lynn Tan.

Located on the Kowloon waterfront and with jaw-dropping views of the harbour, the Rosewood Hong Kong shines bright. Oozing with glamorous grandeur alongside an enviable art collection, sleep amongst abstract paintings by American artist Joe Bradley, an XXL Henry Moore sculpture found at the top of the hotel’s driveway, and a life-size sculpture of an elephant by Bharti Kerr. Oh, and don’t miss The Butterfly Room, a restaurant decorated with Damien Hirst’s trademark winged creations. Gilly Hopper.

In the early 1920s, La Colombe d’Or was an open-air café-bar. Noticing its popularity, Paul, the owner, re-branded and opened as a three-bedroom inn. It soon became a favourite with artists, who visited, in part, because of Paul’s love, interest, and support of the arts. Many of the artists were offered a room for the night in return for some of their artwork – the inn walls soon evolving into a gallery of their own. As the south of France became an ever more popular place for free-thinkers, word of La Colombe d’Or spread, leading celebrated artists such as Miró, Braque, Chagall and Matisse to its doors. Today, a mural by Legér surveys the terrace, a Miró bathes poolside, and a César Baldaccini sculpture greets diners where you can sample fresh fish under a Picasso, in one of the best restaurants on the French Riviera. Sheena Bhattessa.

Rhinoceros Roma, established by Alda Fendi in 2018 and designed by world renowned French architect, Jean Nouvel, has an artsy, industrial, wholly-chic vibe thanks, in part, to a Fendi museum on the ground floor and the clever juxtaposition of exposed concrete, graffiti remnants and contemporary glass. The property runs a rotation of exhibitions throughout the year and is currently showing the works of Neïl Beloufa, Max Hooper Schneider, Em Rooney and Ludovic Nkoth in its on-site gallery. A stay here is also a stay in the heart of the city’s Velabro neighbourhood, where you’re surrounded by Roman relics and will find yourself brushing shoulders with Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus, and the once-buried ruins of the Forum. Hannah Lynn Tan.

An estate of nearly 150 short-term rentals and luxury homes, Lakes by Yoo properties are scattered around nine lakes, meadows and woodlands, some designed by the likes of Philippe Starck, Kate Moss and Kelly Hoppen. As well as the accommodation – crafted from glass, timber and Cotswolds stone, and furnished with cosy wood fires, four-poster beds and rain showers – you’ll find a park dedicated to culture. The Lakes Art Park is home to revolving installations which kicked off with a large sculpture of a dog by world-renowned artist Yoshitomo Nara, as well as Gone by KAWS (pictured). This is a space to enjoy a secluded and private getaway, as well as a chance to engage with artworks in an exclusive, up close and personal setting. There’s a reason it made our list of top UK holiday homes for group getaways. Sheena Bhattessa.

There is, without a doubt, plenty of crossover between art, design and fashion: evident at Karl Lagerfeld’s new, 271-room hotel in Macau. Nine years in the making, the hotel opened in 2023 and was designed by Lagerfeld, who commissioned sculptures for the space by both French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and Dutch artist Marcel Wanders. Elsewhere, find art-deco inspired pools, Terzani chandeliers, gold mosaics and a book lounge with over 4,000 books, selected from the designer’s Parisian bookshop. It’s one of the most talked about fashion designer hotels in the world right now, alongside another 2023 opening from Christian Louboutin. Katie Silcox.

Located inside an 18th Century merchant’s residence in Cork, The Montenotte Hotel blends Irish charm with plenty of grandeur. The hotel hosts ongoing Artist in Residence programmes, run in association with The Gallery Kinsale, to support Irish artists by offering a six-month tenure to showcase in the hotel. The current residence is by postwar and contemporary painter, Jo-Anne Yelen and showcases ‘inside-out’ townscapes where you can ‘see the streets through the houses’. Yelen’s collection is on view until 24 January 2024, and the artist is also hosting live painting demonstrations on certain days. Hannah Lynn Tan.

This former 18th century church has been transformed into a unique, four-bedroom hotel, filled with art and design pieces by curator and architect Philippe Schiepan. Artworks and sculptural lighting pieces fill the building, including specially-commissioned installations by American artist Reeve Schumacher, and Erick Helaine – an assistant of James Turrell. A hybrid space for artists and creative spirits, Le Collatéral hosts artist residencies, exhibitions and creative workshops. Its aim? To be a continuous performance. No surprise when the city of Arles was inspiration for many of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, including the yellow and marine blue of ‘Bedroom in Arles’. Sheena Bhattessa.

With just 50 rooms and 22 suites and studios, a stay at The Beaumont tips towards the intimate. Staying true to its art-deco stylings post a 2021 renovation, The Beaumont embodies the spirit of the grand hotels of the 1920s. As you approach you’ll notice a cubic figure of a man clutching his knees that seems at odds with the rest of the building’s facade: this is the work of artist Antony Gormley. You really can’t get closer to his work than this. Rooms are generously sized, but opt for the Schiaparelli Suite, which pays tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli, for muted silvers, rich stone, putty hues and glinting golds. Don’t miss drinks at Le Magritte Bar, home to some of London’s best bar snacks. Gilly Hopper.

The Fife Arms is one of the UK’s best countryside hotels, and began life as a romantic passion project from international art dealers Hauser & Wirth. Situated in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands, this five-star hotel is as sensational a UK hideaway as you’re likely to find. Featuring more than 16,000 antiques and 12,000 works of art – including oriental rugs and portraits of Picasso and Freud – the hotel is framed by dramatic mountain ranges and offers a whole host of outdoor activities, from wild swimming to creative writing workshops and star-gazing sessions. They also host an art tour followed by afternoon tea. Zana Wilberforce and Gilly Hopper.

The bar at The Hari in Belgravia hosts an impressive collection of contemporary works on a curated rolling programme, while the hotel’s art prize, in collaboration with A Space for Art, celebrates global artistic talent and offers a prize of £10,000 to its winner. All shortlisted artists are exhibited at the hotel, too, this year featuring a polaroid print from Ana Viktoria Dzinic, an oil on canvas by Caroline Thomson, and an aluminium, silicone and metal sculpture by Bo Sun – just three of the twenty artists displayed. Hannah Lyn Tan.

Sugar Beach hotel in St Lucia boasts an expansive, museum-worthy art collection celebrating pop-art alongside the resort’s lush natural surroundings. Find original art from Andy Warhol, Banksy, Tom Sachs, Jeff Koons, KAWS and Damien Hirst dotted around the hotel. With the collection ever-evolving keep a lookout for new artists brought into this collective narrative. A new, audio-led tour can guide you around the resort, delving into the works and the artists behind them. All you need is your mobile phone. Hannah Lynn Tan.

Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà boasts some rather impressive art. Works by Marc Quinn, Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor and Vanessa Beecroft can be found throughout the hotel. In fact, the number of artists found here is long, with 45 individual artists on the list. Each of the villa’s 58 rooms have bespoke decor by architect and designer, Alessandro Mendini, meaning that behind the hotel’s classic facade you’ll find ultra-modern finishes such as colourful fabrics, vivid palettes and offbeat furnishings. Gilly Hopper.

Lead Image: IZZA Marrakech

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